Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery Systems

A recent study presented at ENDO 2023, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, in Chicago, Illinois, suggests that closed-loop insulin delivery systems can improve glucose control in children with type 1 diabetes. These systems consist of devices that use a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump to automatically regulate blood sugar levels. Unlike manual intervention, the closed-loop system continuously monitors and adjusts insulin delivery based on the person's blood sugar levels. The study, conducted by researcher Amanda Godoi from Cardiff University, reviewed nine randomized controlled trials involving 892 children with type 1 diabetes. The trials compared closed-loop systems to usual care, which involves multiple daily insulin injections or sensor augmented pumps. The results showed that children using the closed-loop system experienced a small but significant 0.35% reduction in HbA1c levels (a measure of average blood sugar levels over three months) and a 9.96% increase in time spent in the optimal glucose range. Importantly, the use of closed-loop systems did not increase the risk of adverse effects like hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. These findings suggest that closed-loop technology is a safe and effective approach to controlling glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes, providing a valuable treatment opportunity to reduce complications and improve health outcomes.